Recep Tayyip Erdogan presents the 2022 Ministry of Culture and Tourism Awards

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan participated in the 2022 Ministry of Culture and Tourism special awards ceremony. In his speech, the head of state noted that these awards, presented since 1979, serve to express gratitude to artists and organizations contributing to the country's cultural climate.

Erdogan emphasized that respect for art and artists should be shown not just in words, but through careful attention to their work and legacy. "We strive to record on behalf of the state the exceptional place that figures of culture and art hold in the hearts of our people," the president stated.

According to the president, the strength of a society depends directly on its cultural accumulation. He noted that military and economic achievements are short-lived without a solid cultural foundation. As an example, he cited historical civilizations that maintained their influence through a unique identity, while many powerful armies of the past have been forgotten.

Erdogan also criticized attempts to "unify" Turkey's cultural climate and ideological approaches that limit creativity within certain frameworks. He stressed that the government aims to support success without any discrimination between artists.

During the event, it was announced that 2023 has been declared the Year of Mevlana in Turkey in honor of the 750th anniversary of his passing. The president called on state institutions to pay due attention to holding commemorative events aimed at spreading ideas of love and hope.

As part of the ceremony, the Kenan Yavuz Ethnography Museum received the 2022 Ministry of Culture and Tourism special award. The award was accepted on stage by the museum's founder, Kenan Yavuz, who was accompanied by his 88-year-old mother, Alime Yavuz.

Source: cnnturk.com

Prepared by:Abdulrahman Sadikhli